Today we have a story of addiction and hope submitted by a reader named Chris who decided to Give us his story.

Hello, my name is Chris. For about 15 years of my life I identified as an alcoholic. It was my badge of honor. I had finally acknowledged the fact that I had a problem and had began a road of recovery to leave that part of my life behind. Like most people, there is a pivotal moment in my story. A scene that plays over in my head like it was yesterday. Two words that I felt down to my core would begin a transformation that is still happening to me 17 years later. I was at my usual spot. My “Cheers” hangout. But at this time I was nearing my bottom. I was fresh off my 2nd DUI and facing a decision. A fork in the road. The choice was between jail and rehab. And I wasn’t so sure which one I wanted. This particular night at the bar I had the closest thing I have ever had to an out of body experience. All of a sudden I saw my life from an outside perspective. I realized that this was just another night of seeing the same faces, overhearing the same stories, hearing the same music on the jukebox, smelling the same smells…the list goes on. I was stuck in a loop and there was zero movement in my life. All of a sudden I hear this idea in my head. Like a still small voice reaching out to me. I thought “what if”. What if I did choose rehab? What if it worked? What if I became a success story for overcoming addiction? What if I could live a life without alcohol being a part of it? It was worth a shot. I made the decision to go to a 28 day inpatient facility in Galax, VA. There are SO many stories to tell along my path to sobriety, but I always love remembering this moment. My moment of clarity that set my path in motion. I can confidently say that alcohol holds no power over me anymore. My growth has been evident to all my close family and friends. I am happily married to an amazing woman. The most faithful woman I know! And we have a beauty family of 6 children. I am free. I have been set free. If anyone reading this is struggling; think to yourselves “what if” and see where it takes you. God bless!

Thank you Chris for your support of Give Your Story by submitting your story to offer hope to others.

Thank you for providing US a vision of Hope.

Did you ever have a moment of Clarity? Want to Give Hope To Others?

If you’re interested in Giving Your Story of Hope, you can email your story to Phil@giveyourstory.com following the provided story sharing guide below.

Story Giving Guide

Story Giving Guide: Your story can be about any topic. For your story to be considered it should include what happened, how you overcame the experience, and what it is like now. Your story can be submitted in a short paragraph or you can give more detail. Please keep your story to a 5 minute read (approximately 1000 words) maximum. This is a safe place to share your story. You may submit your story anonymously if you choose. Obscene words if part of the story may be altered or obscured. Negative feedback to a story of hope will not be tolerated. If your story is considered for post it may be edited for spelling, grammar, content and length. Thank You.